Drew Shepulski, a junior at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, N.J., has collected more than 200 pieces of gently-used baseball equipment valued at $12,960 to help children in underserved communities gain access to the sport.
Over the course of the school year, Drew worked with local baseball facilities and members of the Sussex County community to collect donated equipment, including bats, gloves, helmets, catcher’s gear, baseballs, and other items. The equipment will be donated to Pitch In For Baseball & Softball, a nonprofit organization that provides equipment to youth who want to play baseball and softball but lack access to the necessary gear.
To make donating easy, Drew designed and placed collection bins at local baseball facilities in and around Sussex County, including Champions Way Sports Academy at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, Sparta Athletic Club Field House in Sparta, and Hit and Run in Jefferson Township. He also conducted community outreach to encourage families to donate equipment their children had outgrown rather than letting it sit unused.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“Growing up, baseball has been a huge part of my life,” said Drew. “It’s taught me teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I want to help more kids have the chance to experience those same lessons, especially in communities where the cost of equipment can be a barrier.”
In the coming weeks, Drew and his family will transport the equipment to the Pitch In For Baseball & Softball distribution center in Harleysville, Pa., where it will eventually reach young athletes in need across the U.S. and around the world.
The equipment drive was organized as part of Drew’s commitment to community service and his desire to use his passion for baseball to help others.
